After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight.

A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools.

A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse.

A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A 39-year-old patient experiencing tenderness and swelling in the right calf following a flight may be experiencing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism if not treated. However, DVT is not immediately life-threatening in most cases.
Choice B rationale
A 58-year-old patient on anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation presenting with black stools is likely experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, a common side effect of anticoagulant therapy. This can lead to severe blood loss, anemia, and hypovolemic shock, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Therefore, this patient should be prioritized for assessment.
Choice C rationale
A 67-year-old patient with a gangrenous foot ulcer and a weak pedal pulse likely has peripheral artery disease and an infection that could lead to sepsis if not treated. However, while this condition needs medical attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice D rationale
A 50-year-old patient reporting sudden, severe upper back pain could be experiencing a number of conditions, ranging from musculoskeletal strain to aortic dissection. While an aortic dissection is a medical emergency, without additional symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness, this patient is not the highest priority.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Reducing the overall contractility of the heart muscle is not the primary reason for performing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)4. In fact, reducing the contractility of the heart muscle could potentially decrease the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Choice B rationale
Reducing plaque buildup in the carotid artery is not the primary reason for performing CABG4. While plaque buildup in the carotid artery can lead to serious conditions such as stroke, CABG is specifically performed to bypass blocked coronary arteries, not carotid arteries.
Choice C rationale
Increasing the oxygen supply to the heart muscle is the primary reason for performing CABG4. When coronary arteries become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, the heart muscle may not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. CABG is performed to create a new route, or bypass, around the blocked artery, which improves blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the myocardial workload is not the primary reason for performing CABG4. In fact, increasing the workload of the heart could potentially exacerbate heart disease and lead to complications such as heart failure.

A. Assess the need for smoking cessation. B. Apply TED hose to bilateral legs. C. Consult physical therapy. D. Obtain Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) with a hand-held Doppler.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Assessing the need for smoking cessation is a standard part of nursing care, especially for patients with circulatory issues. Smoking can exacerbate circulatory problems and delay wound healing.
Choice B rationale
Applying TED hose to bilateral legs might not be appropriate for this patient. TED hose are compression stockings designed to prevent deep vein thrombosis and promote circulation.
However, in a patient with weak pedal pulses and a full-thickness wound on the leg, the compression from the stockings could potentially worsen circulation to the area and impede wound healing.
Choice C rationale
Consulting physical therapy could be beneficial for this patient. Physical therapists can provide exercises and interventions to improve circulation and mobility, which could help with the patient’s circulatory issues and wound healing.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) with a hand-held Doppler could be useful in this situation. The ABI is a simple, non-invasive test that can help diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that could be causing the patient’s weak pedal pulses and wound healing issues.

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After the shift change, which patient in the emergency department should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What is the primary pathophysiological reason for performing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with weak pedal pulses, absent hair on bilateral legs, and a full-thickness wound on the right lateral malleolus with defined margins, including a minimal amount of serous exudate. Which of the following interventions is contraindicated?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Upon receiving a change-of-shift report about four patients in a heart failure unit, which patient should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

What should a nurse inquire about from a patient with a past history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and other vascular issues?

What positive outcome should a nurse anticipate in a patient taking Vasotec, an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor?

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How would a nurse best describe the assessment of stasis dermatitis in a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?

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What is the primary cause of myocardial ischemia?